Casa da Musica

This meteorite called Casa da Musica has struck Porto nearly ten years ago. Praised by many as a masterpiece of Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas, I was a very surprised when I visited the building earlier this month. Yes, it is an impressive if not an imposing structure. However, the obscure circulation, the lack of an open, inviting ambience and the somewhat artificially planned educational spaces disappointed me. Especially the central lobby and the restaurant are awkward and unpleasant places. And what about the press room, cramped and in full sunlight? But what struck me most of all is that no one seems to point out or discuss these things. ‘It is a masterpiece, period’.